Preparing for fireworks

While many of us enjoy watching the beautiful colours and hearing the exciting whistles and bangs of a firework display, 60% of our pets become very stressed and afraid when they see or hear fireworks. But don’t worry, there are some simple ways you can help lower your pet’s stress levels during this time:

• Provide your pet with a ‘safe haven’, eg a quiet room with the curtains closed
• Plug in a D.A.P.®(dogs)/Feliway®(cats) Diffuser around a week before your pet will be using the area. This gives off synthetic pheromones, which soothe your pet and helps to calm them
• Prepare the area a week in advance and make it an appealing place to go, eg put treats or favourite toys in there and play/feed there
• Put the radio/tv on quietly with soothing music or just talking
• Provide a box/bed as a secure place to rest/hide
• Cats might prefer somewhere up high, eg on top of a cupboard
• Walk your dog early in the evening before fireworks start and ensure your cat has a litter tray

Although this sounds unkind, it is very important NOT to stroke and soothe your pet when they are distressed. Be calm and confident and ignore the noises going on outside and your dog’s fearful behaviour. Change the situation from one that is negative to positive – ie instead of saying ‘poor baby, are you scared?’, be normal, enthusiastic and smiley and say ‘How exciting! What lovely fireworks!’ and get your pet’s favourite toys out for a game (the words don’t actually matter, it’s your happy tone that’s important!). However! Don’t be too over the top as your pet could become more worried by your ‘strange’ behaviour! Your pet will pick up on you being unconcerned and follow your lead. If you pay attention to the fearful behaviour, your pet will use this behaviour to get more attention from you, perpetuating the situation.

It is important to remember, however, that if your pet is severely distressed, you will need an appointment with a behaviourist. During October, we are offering a free consultation with our behaviourist to discuss ways you can handle your pet’s firework phobia. Ring the Hospital on 01903 234866 to book an appointment.

The other thing to remember is that your pet might stray if very distressed, so lock your cat flap and keep your dog indoors. If you haven’t done so already, get your pet microchipped as soon as possible to ensure a swift and happy reunion in case of straying.

For more advice, have a look at the RSPCA website. For info regarding the D.A.P.®(dogs)/Feliway®(cats) Diffusers click on this link.

Pet Passports for Roving Rovers

The Pets travel scheme (PETS) allows you to take your beloved dog or cat to and from most Western European countries without the need for quarantine. A pet passport ensures that your pet meets the strict conditions required.

To qualify for the PETS scheme your dog or cat must:

• Be implanted with a microchip pet ID
• Be vaccinated against rabies
• Blood tested to verify that the vaccination was successful
• Have a healthcare certificate signed by an appropriate vet

Before returning to the UK it is essential to ensure that your beloved pet is not carrying any potentially dangerous parasites such as ticks or fox tapeworms. This will require treatment 24 to 48 hours before you return and a certificate signed by an approved vet in the country where treatment was carried out.

If you don’t have the required documentation it is likely that your pet will be refused re-entry into the UK or be required to spend 6 months in quarantine.

The Pet Passport will ensure that your pet meets all of the requirements to leave the UK. It is important to pay attention to the time requirements related to the Rabies vaccinations and blood tests. It is advisable to start the procedure of vaccination and verification blood tests around 8 months before you plan to travel.

We provide a complete pet passport service and can help with any questions that you may have regarding travelling with your pet.

Lost - and found 9 years later!

Don’t forget you still have until the end of September to take advantage of our great offer on microchips - £12.50 reduced from £16.50.

Check out this story reported by Reuters recently - it was definitely worth that cat having a microchip!

The lovely girl pictured right is Maisie who is currently with WADARS and needs a loving new home. Call 01903 217788 if you would like more details.